Historical Events tagged with "assassination"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

William I of Orange Assassinated in Delft

July 10th, 1584 440 years ago

William I of Orange, a key leader in the Dutch Revolt, was assassinated in his home in Delft, Holland, by Balthasar Gérard. Gérard's actions were motivated by a desire to end William's influence and the ongoing fight against Spanish rule. The assassination was a significant turning point in the Eighty Years' War, causing shockwaves across the region and altering the course of the conflict.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray

January 23rd, 1570 455 years ago

James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, was assassinated in 1570, marking a significant event in Scottish political history. The assassination took place in Linlithgow while he was serving as regent for the young King James VI of Scotland. His regency was a tumultuous time, fraught with political strife and factional conflicts. The attack was notably the first recorded instance of murder using a firearm in Scotland, highlighting the changing nature of political violence. This event underscores the volatility of the period, as various factions vied for power in a deeply divided Scotland.

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Crime & Law

Murder of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley

February 10th, 1567 458 years ago

Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, was found dead near the Kirk o' Field house in Edinburgh, Scotland, following a mysterious explosion. The circumstances surrounding his death indicated foul play, with suspicions directed toward those close to Mary, Queen of Scots, his wife. Darnley's body showed signs of strangulation, adding to the intrigue and scandal of the incident. The assassination is believed to have been motivated by political tensions and personal rivalries during a turbulent time in Scottish history.

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Politics & Government

Matsunaga Hisahide assassinates Ashikaga Yoshiteru

June 17th, 1565 459 years ago

Matsunaga Hisahide, a powerful daimyō, orchestrated the assassination of Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the 13th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate. This event took place in Kyoto, where Hisahide's forces launched a surprise attack on the shōgun's palace, leading to the shōgun's death. Hisahide's motivations stemmed from political ambition and the desire to eliminate a rival for power. The assassination significantly altered the balance of power in the region.

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Politics & Government

Failed Assassination of the Jiajing Emperor

November 27th, 1542 482 years ago

A conspiracy by palace women to kill the Jiajing Emperor failed, resulting in their capture and execution. The group, made up of courtiers and concubines, plotted to poison the emperor due to his unpopular reign, marked by heavy censorship and oppression. Once discovered, the emperor ordered severe punishments for the conspirators, leading to their execution by the brutal method of slow-slicing, known as 'lingchi'. This event struck fear into the hearts of palace officials and shaped future governance during the Jiajing reign.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Francisco Pizarro in Lima

June 26th, 1541 483 years ago

Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador known for his role in the conquest of the Inca Empire, was assassinated in Lima by Diego de Almagro the younger, the son of an earlier rival. This marked a significant moment in the violent struggle for power in the newly established Spanish territories in South America, showcasing the deep divisions among the Spanish conquistadors amidst their quests for wealth and control.

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Politics & Government

Pazzi Family Conspiracy Against Lorenzo de' Medici

April 26th, 1478 546 years ago

The Pazzi family conspired to assassinate Lorenzo de' Medici during a Mass at Florence Cathedral, intending to weaken the Medici’s power. On this fateful day, as Mass proceeded, the Pazzi launched their attack, successfully killing Giuliano de' Medici, Lorenzo's younger brother. This assassination was motivated by the Pazzi’s desire to reclaim influence and power in Florence, which they felt was diminished under the Medici regime, leading to longstanding rivalries in the city.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Ulrich II, Count of Celje

November 9th, 1456 568 years ago

Ulrich II, Count of Celje, was assassinated in Belgrade, marking a significant turn in the power dynamics of the region. His murder occurred amidst political turmoil and territorial disputes in the Balkans, as rival factions sought control over the County of Cilli. The incident not only removed a key leader but also paved the way for further conflict in the region, influencing subsequent territorial claims and alliances.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Timurid Monarch 'Abd al-Latif

May 9th, 1450 574 years ago

'Abd al-Latif, the Timurid monarch, was assassinated amid political turmoil. His reign faced numerous challenges, and tensions within the court escalated leading to his demise. The assassination took place in Samarkand, a crucial city in the Timurid Empire. Key figures in the court, dissatisfied with his leadership, orchestrated the plot to eliminate him.

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